A "Gammill" Good Day!

Well, you've heard of a "whale of a good time", but recently, I had a "Gammill" good day! It all started when two new friends from a Retreat Workshop that I taught in Raleigh, North Carolina, purchased mid arm quilting machines. I'd made an offer to teach them feathers, and lo and behold, they came up to where I live, and we played at making feathers all day!

We had a great time, and I feel confident that they're quilts will be decorated with feathers in the near future!

Then, two friends of mine from here, Shawn and Sue, came over for a day of the same! I loved being with them, they're both incredibly talented, but, best of all, it was truly fun to share my knowledge with good friends! It just made for a truly wonderful day... fun, feathers and fellowship!

The response has been great, so in the near future, we'll be posting a new class to the website (www.theniftyneedle.com) called "Feathers and Flourishes"! I'm really excited about this as it will be a 'private', all day class for the new to intermediate mid and longarm quilters! I so wish I'd had something like this available to me when I first got started. It took me about 3 months to self-learn how to make feathers, and these ladies were practically pro's after just a day!

They'll learn everything...from pinning, to floating, ruler and feather work, background fills, and best of all, walk out with a "sampler"! I just love this and can't wait to get the sample done to post to the website! Talk about motivation; sewing, quilting with others, always does it for me!!!!

So, enough for now. Be sure to check the website over the next couple of weeks for this exciting new class!

Always in Stitches.....
Karen

A Month of Milestones

I can't believe June is almost over, July almost here. I titled this post "A Month of Milestones", but realizing how long it's been since I posted, maybe it should be "Months of Milestones". So much has happened! It seems you just get "caught up" and before you know it, well, they say "time flies" for a reason!!!

I lost one of my younger sisters, very unexpectedly, on Jan 01 this year. She was only 49, and after losing my mother in law last year, I think it hit me hard that life is so, so precious! There's no crystal ball, no magic mirror, no way of knowing What life will hand us. Or when.

So, this month, I choose to celebrate. My oldest son just graduated from High School. And do you know, the minute all those Seniors started marching out on the stage, I started crying. A reaction I didn't expect; but still...! Last night we had my daughter's 18th Birthday Party (OMG)! And, I too, celebrated a Birthday (of course, I'm not as excited about sharing my age as she is!!!!).

In addition, I finished the last edit for my new book, "Prairie Point Pizzazz", coming out in November, published by Martingale. That last edit is always something! You've got the photos and the illustrations, and somehow, that's when it becomes "real". Yup, this is really going to happen!

We've updated the website, shot a YouTube video, added a host of new workshops, and even products you can purchase! Vince (my husband and BESTEST FRIEND) has retired from 29 1/2 years in the Navy, and now works in the civilian sector, and also manages my website (Thank you Honey!).

So, lots going on! I'll have more to tell you all next week, enough for now. Hope you all are finding reasons to celebrate as well! Life, after all, is precious!
Karen

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi All!

Just wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Amidst the hustle and bustle, the planning, preparation and cooking, I've had a few minutes to just think. And I realize that I have so much to be Thankful for!!!!

I'm so glad for my husband of 25 years, my love for you just keeps growing. Thankful for my children, who surprise me daily (one way or another). I'm so Thankful for my Mom and all she's taught me; glad I had the opportunity to spend time with my Mother in Law before she passed. I miss her ever so much!

I could go on and on, but lastly, I'll just say that I'm incredibly Thankful for the many friends I've made through quilting. Not only do I love all aspects of quilting, but I have made some of the best friends through it as well.

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving, that you, too, have much to be Thankful for. I've heard it said that it's always better to count your blessings...I suppose today is a good day for that!

Enjoy,
Karen

Thanks to the Cotton Club Quilters

I owe a HUGE "Thank You" to all the gals in the Cotton Club Quilt Guild! I just got to spend the most wonderful weekend with them in Raleigh, N.C.

It was their "Retreat", and they kindly invited me in to do a trunk show and teach a class in prairie point quilts, from the book to be released in September. My friend, Phyllis, accompanied me, which made it an even better weekend for me! My long-time friend, she's always there when I need her!!!

Here's the thing, it was their Retreat, but I'm certain that I'm the one who came away with the most! I got to spend some quality time with my bestfriend, made a whole bunch of great new friends, and got to share one of my greatest passions. I love quilting and the people involved in it! There's nothing better than spending a weekend sharing, creating, laughing, and just plain havin' fun! And there's always something to learn!

Thank You to my new friends. I so enjoyed it, appreciate your humor and goodwill, your talent and insights, but mostly~ just the opportunity to get to know you all! You're the best!
Karen

New Book Contract!

Hi All!

Again, I have been remiss. Getting home after Mom passed, going straight back to work, and now, a new book contract! While I'm INCREDIBLY excited, I also feel pretty pressured! It seems I'm always running, running, running!

However, all that should change soon. I put in my "notice" at work, and have decided to pursue qulting as a full time business. I strongly feel that whether you succeed or fail, it should never be because you didn't give it 100%!!!!! I agonized on How, How, How, I could conceivably do both....work full time, and do the kind of quilting I truly envision. And the answer was, I couldn't!

Alicia Keys can strap an "S" on her chest and be Super woman, but , alas, I couldn't do the same! So, that's OK, I can, and will put two "S's" on my chest and be a "Super Stitcher"!

The new book, tentatively titled "Prairie Point Pizzazz" will be released September 2011, and with this technique, well, you can add a prairie point to any half or quarter square triangle, giving your quilts new dimension! POPPABILITY! It is an exciting new concept, and one I hope will be embraced by the quilting community!

So, if you're of a mind....well, say a prayer, wish me luck, and know I'm thinking of you!

dREAM, cREATE. iNSPIRE!

It's in your hands!
karen

It's Good To Be Home

Well it took a little while, but it sure is good to be home! I finally feel like I have my feet back underneath me! Hard to believe that I had to make an adjustment, but there it is, I did. Heck, took a wee bit of time just to figure out where the pots and pans were again!

I finally got a chance to get in my sewing room and spent one day just reorganizing! Now instead of lots of piles of fabric....well, I still have lots of piles, but now of projects! But, it sure feels good to go in there and have a game plan. For Quilters, sometimes there's nothing more calming than re-acquainting one's self with their stash. To realize there are so many more quilts to be made! So many possibilities!

I'm off on Monday and Tuesday, and while I'd planned on doing housework, I think maybe it can wait! Instead, I believe I'm going to use those two days to indulge my creative urges, to re-bond with my sewing machine, to see some of the possibilities! After all, it's the possibilities that keep us going!

Have a great week y'all!
Karen

Jennie Miles 1941-2010

It's been a long time since I posted; that's because I was in Monatana caring for my Mother in law, diagnosed with cancer in February. Sadly, Mom lost her hard fought battle on July 6th.

I went to Montana in March and was with Mom, caring for her until she passed away. Now that I'm back home and have the chance to reflect, I realize it was one of the greatest opportunities of my life! Yes, it was very difficult! Yes, there were many a day when I cried my heart out! And Yes! It was worth it!

Many of us are fortunate to have people in our lives who's impact may not be felt immediately, but is oh, so lasting. That was my mother in law, Jennie, my 2nd Mom! I loved her so much, and feel it was a priviledge and an honor to show her how much I cared by taking care of her, spending precious time with her. and at the end, honoring her wishes.

This morning, I checked the bluebird box in our yard, noted there were 5 eggs, and instinctively went to call her. No, this isn't the first, and probably not the last, time that this has happened. I cry because I'm sad that she's no longer with us.

then I realize...maybe she is. She certainly "lives on" in my heart, mind and memories! She will always be a part of me, one that I thank God for!

Mom, I love you! And I miss you ever so much! Thank You for all you were and all you continue to be! With Love, Now and Always!
Karen